London-based jazz collective Ezra Collective have just released their first new music of the year, a reimagining of the classic Fela Kuti song ‘Lady’.
The track is a tribute to the Afrobeat pioneer and a celebration of his enduring legacy, and will be featured on a limited edition 7″ vinyl.
In a statement, Ezra Collective’s bandleader and drummer Femi Koleoso spoke about the group’s connection to Fela’s music: “My Dad had a collection of Fela Kuti CDs he would play in the car when I was growing up. I didn’t know who he was at the time, but I knew I loved the music. Fast forward two decades and nothing has changed – Fela remains my musical hero and an inspiration to our band. It’s a dream come true to celebrate his legacy on a 7″ vinyl.”
The vinyl, which will be available this Friday (13 January), will also feature Ezra Collective’s reinterpretation of the title-track ‘Shakara’.